Country music singer Ashley Monroe revealed this week she has been diagnosed with a rare blood cancer in a post to Instagram.
Monroe, who is a part Pistol Annies, revealed she received the diagnosis when she went to the doctor for routine lab work. The disease is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to cancer.org.
“A few months ago my [doctor] was doing some routine lab work and found that I was anemic. I was like, FINE, I’ll just double up on cheeseburger patties, take some extra vitamins and call it a day. Well, my red blood count just kept falling, and they found out my iron /b12/ folic acid numbers were actually fine. Short story long, they did a bone marrow biopsy, (ouch), and VOILA… a rare kind of blood c-word called ‘Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia.'”
Monroe went on to reveal at first she was upset until she changed her perspective.
“It’s causing my body to be pretty severely anemic, and I feel it. So, I start chemo tomorrow. Seems like such a negative thing to say. Until I flip that doom feeling on its head and think, wow, I’m thankful I have an illness that is VERY live with-able.”
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“I’m thankful there IS a treatment that actually works to fight what is causing harm to my body. THANKFUL for friends and family who have gathered around me praying and sending flowers and letting me lean on them during this super weird chapter of my life. Thankful for my angel son. Who I am fighting for the most.”
Monroe concluded the post, requesting fans, friends and families not to give unsolicited advice or medical opinions during this emotional time.
“I would greatly appreciate if no one gave me any unsolicited advice or medical opinions. I’ve done my research and have amazing Vanderbilt [doctors] I’ve weighed every option with. That’s why I was hesitant to post about it, but I could use the prayers. And I DO believe in the power of prayer guys. I also believe in the power of love healing us all on an even deeper level. I love you all big. Here I go.”
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Many were quick to support the country star, commenting: “Already looking forward to the funny and sassy song about you kicking this in the a** on the next Pistol Annies record. 
While another user said: “You are a bad***, and you’ve got this. Prayers for you my friend!
Followed by: “The world needs more of that amazing voice. I’m confident that you’ve got so many more songs to sing. Praying for a full and quick treatment and recovery!!